15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors

[kenbug67]

Thanks!!! I was thinking that would be the best compromise without sacrificing the look too much!!


Will prob get the Michelin Agillis 195/70R15 , love michelin tires.....but these look a little more chunky.


or the japanese made Falken R51 Linam 195/70R15..nicesst looking. Passenger] tire look.

[b-man]

Here’s a set of 195/70-15 Hercules light truck tires on my ‘56 so you can gauge how that size tire might look on your bus.

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1956 Dove Blue Panel
1966 Velvet Green Single Cab
1957 L41 Black Oval Window Beetle

[repeteVW]

I'm considering these two for my 62 Samba.

https://www.cokertire.com/670-15-firestone-blackwall.html
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/american-classic-670r15-blackwall.html

I've read up on the correct diameter and realize these are taller than the 6.40's, but I like the height and extra weight rating. Any thoughts between the two. Also, I do have a freeway flyer transmission. Should that factor in my tire height choice. Which way? The stock size for comparison... which I haven't ruled out....

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/640-15-firestone-blackwall.html

[mandraks]

6.70/15s were and are used. However, they can sometimes rub on the fronts. In the back of the wheelwell, there is a metal seam that can get in the way. Hammer can easily fix that.

I used to drive on 6.40/15s and found them plenty tall enough, and never had issues with the weight

for the "faster drivers" the radial probably a good choice even at the higher price
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regards

Uli

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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel

[repeteVW]

Thanks, Uli. Still pondering here. Lawrenceville, I see. Cool!

I'm also curious if anyone can report on any direct experience with the American Classic bias-ply look radial, as linked above.

[srfndoc]

I still think the load rating on the Coker bias plys is unsafe. I’m sure it would be fine for a show car but if you drive to distant shows or have a heavier load I would not want to use them. They do look great.
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RPM=(MPH*336* (R&P*4th*1.26))/Tire Diameter in inches

[Lind]

[sled]

[repeteVW]

[hgandmc]

I've got a front rubbing from the top of the tires when I have passengers in my 62 deluxe. I am running Toyo extensa P205/75/15. I had to let air out to get the backs on, my mechanic said they were too big, but a (California)Bus expert said thats what everyone is running. Even the first post in this forum states this. My son said it makes the bus look to beefy. Why am I rubbing? Is there another problem, or do I look for a smaller set.I got a little cash at the moment. Thoughts--
Thanks
Frank

Also..do you feel a guilt when you buy tires over the net and go to a local to put them on?

[cdennisg]

[hgandmc]

Thanks...makes great sense. Going to throw my bus up on stands and take a front end apart before I buy smaller tires. Good point about where to purchase tires.

Thanks
Frank

[paul_e_watson]

[mandraks]

[paul_e_watson]

[Rhodrich]

I've just fitted Nexen Roadian CT8 commercial tires in 185/80/15 (185R15C) size to my '64. They fill the arches nicely...

MUCH better than the 165R15 car tires it had on there before.

My spare tire has a 6.40-15 tire on it, and I can confirm that it's pretty much the same diameter as these.

[zimblewinder]

does it fit behind the seat? Whats the load rating? Looks good
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58Euro 23 343208 The Ultimate Zimblewinder Machine.
59 mango standard
Wanted- splash pan supports, og pressed bumper coach bolts, ivory blaupunkt knobs (early), armrest alloy strips, NOS door mechanism

[earlywesty]

[earlywesty]

[Rhodrich]

Indeed. 103/102R (8PR) Load Rating on the label. Haven't tried behind the seat either, but it looks like they'd be OK. I've now got one of my old 165/80/15s as a spare.